West Bengal's new industrial policy likely Jan 15

Kolkata, Jan 9 (IANS) Mamata Banerjee's government in West Bengal is likely to announce its new industrial policy Jan 15, a Trinamool Congress minister said here Wednesday.

The announcement is expected to be made on the inaugural day of the second Bengal Leads Summit at Haldia in East Midnapore district Jan 15-17, state Industries Minister Partha Chatterjee told mediapersons.

The summit has been organised by the state government to woo investors.

"We have prepared a draft. The chambers of commerce have also given their opinions," Chatterjee said at the state secretariat Writers' Buildings.

He said industry body FICCI has submitted a draft textile policy and proposals for industrials parks.

"We will prepare the final draft after considering the proposals of the chambers of commerce," said Chatterjee.

The state's previous industrial policy was announced 18 years ago in 1994 by the erstwhile Left Front government. The late Jyoti Basu was then the chief minister.

Meanwhile, 13 industrial projects entailing an investment of Rs.2,021 crore were given the go-ahead by the cabinet committee on infrastructure, industry and employment.

"These projects would generate direct employment for 7,842 people. Besides, there will be plenty of indirect employment," Chatterjee said.